Deng planning to skip or postpone wrist surgery

LONDON -- Luol Deng fulfilled his role as ambassador for basketball in Great Britain, which won its first Olympic game since 1948 in its final attempt with a 90-58 victory over China on Monday.

Then, he offered good news for Bulls fans, strongly implying he will either forgo surgery on the torn ligament in his left wrist altogether or postpone it until after the 2012-13 season.

"Did I look like I needed (surgery)?" Deng said. "I'm fine right now. I feel great. There are a lot of things I want to improve in my game that I want to focus on. I want to be a better player than I was last year.

"I have time to make decisions and be healthy by the time we start (training camp)."

With Bulls' camp roughly eight weeks away, it'd be impossible for Deng to have surgery now and be ready for start. Asked a second time about his decision, Deng made clear he planned to start camp on time.

"I'm just going to get ready for the season," Deng said.

The Tribune previously reported that Deng has told friends and associates he plans to avoid surgery. Coach Tom Thibodeau said last month that he is under the impression that's Deng's plan as well.

Now that his Olympic commitment has been fulfilled, Deng is proud of his decision.